Akesson says Turkey gets closes to EU membership

Swedish Ambassador in Ankara Hakan Akesson said that Turkey is very close to become a member of EU, as it is both financially and economically important for the EU. Stating that Turkey has made significant reforms in last decade and was still making new reforms, Akesson said they attached special importance to steps taken during preparation of the new constitution, which were important also for Turkey on its path to become an EU member. "In this respect, EU needs Turkey and Turkey needs EU," Akesson said. Underlining Sweden's support for Turkey's EU membership bid, Akesson noted, "Turkey's EU membership process has started in 2005. Sweden is very happy for it. We need to look forward and exert efforts to finish this process successfully. Turkey is preparing to become a member of EU and it has to fulfill other reforms, too, for the membership. One of the most important reforms is the latest studies on the new constitution. Turkey is very close to become a member of EU. We believe that Turkey's membership would contribute a lot to EU. The completion of Turkey's membership to EU depends on new reforms and efforts. We support these and hope the process would conclude in a short time. Turkey means a lot for EU, both politically and economically."